July: A Month of Highs, Lows, and Laughs

This July was one for the books—a mix of beauty, heartbreak, and plenty of stories worth telling.

The Garden and the Hailstorm

Early summer had been a gardener’s dream. With the generous rains, crops in the area were thriving, and my own garden was a daily source of joy. Everything seemed to flourish. But on July 27, the sky opened and a massive hailstorm rolled through town. Toonie-sized hail pelted down for ten relentless minutes, leaving its mark. We took damage to our roof, garage, shed, and eavestroughs—but worst of all, my garden was shredded. Standing at the window, praying the glass wouldn’t shatter while watching months of work destroyed in minutes, was heartbreaking. 

Thankfully, July wasn’t all storms. John and I spent an evening out at Payne Lake—he fished while I paddleboarded, read, and played with Radar. Another day, we hiked together to Bertha Falls. I turned back at the falls while John pushed on up to the lake for more fishing. He’s spent a lot of time with his rod this summer (though, if you ask him, it’s never quite enough).

Radar’s Struggles
Radar has been having seizures for a year now, usually only one a month. It never gets easier to watch him go through it. We still don’t know the cause, and my heart aches for him every time.

Nate’s Apology
On a lighter note, Nate gave us all a laugh this month. He went to a party at a friend’s brand-new house and, in true Nate fashion, his flatulence habits got the better of him. His friend retaliated by shoving Nate into a wall—literally. The result? A brand-new hole in the brand-new wall. Nate wrote an apology letter that was apparently so funny and well-written it became the highlight of the evening. Only Nate.

Family Visits
To round out the month, we had a wonderful visit from Jordan, Luci, and the boys. Time with family is always sweet, and it was so nice to have them here.

July was a month of contrast: flourishing and loss, laughter and worry, storms and sunshine. Life always seems to weave those threads together, doesn’t it?

A Month of Tea, Pasta, and… Hair Dye Gone Wrong

Some months stand out for the little adventures that pop up, and July gifted me three worth remembering.

High Tea with the Girls
One afternoon, I joined Sarah, Rachel, Viv, and Savanna for high tea—and oh, was it delightful. Tiny sandwiches, dainty treats, steaming pots of tea, and just the right touch of elegance. I’ve never really considered myself a “tea person,” but after that experience, I think I’m officially converted. There’s something about sipping tea slowly, in good company, that feels timeless. I loved it.

Another highlight was when Paisley, Sam’s former girlfriend (from before his mission), came to visit us and teach us the art of making homemade pasta. What an experience! The process was fascinating: make a flour nest, crack two eggs in the center, mix, knead, let it rest, press it flat, and voilà—the most delectable, egg-based noodles you can imagine. It was hands-on, a little messy, and absolutely delicious. But honestly, as good as the pasta was, the best part was the time spent with Paisley. She is warm, fun, and thoughtful. We like her. We like her a lot.

And then there was the hair incident. Abby came home for a visit and convinced me to dye my hair. I bravely chose “Chestnut Brown,” a safe and classic shade—or so I thought. Instead, it turned out jet black. Black! For three days, I wore a hat everywhere, inside and outside the house, because I just didn’t feel like myself. Finally, after one emergency salon appointment, a mountain of bleach, and $200 later, my color was semi restored. Lesson learned: I will never… ever… do that again.

So there it is: a month of elegance, good food, and humbling hair lessons. Life always knows how to keep things interesting!

July Update - 20 Months In {2025}

 As of July, Sam has been out on his mission in Arizona for 20 months—and what a journey it has been.

He’s currently serving as an AP (Assistant to the President), a calling that has stretched him, challenged him, and helped him grow in ways only the mission can. Leadership has a way of bringing out the best in him, and it’s been incredible to hear the stories of how he’s working, learning, and lifting others along the way.

Every update we get makes our hearts leap with joy and love. To see our son dedicating himself so fully to the Lord’s work is one of the greatest blessings we could ask for. We miss him dearly, of course—but the light and growth we hear in his voice remind us that this time is sacred and shaping him into someone even stronger, kinder, and more faithful.

Twenty months down, just a handful left to go. We’re cherishing every moment of this chapter for him. 💛

Marking PATs and Missing the Reunion

This June brought me a unique adventure—I had the opportunity to spend a week in Edmonton marking Grade 6 PAT exams. It was unlike anything I’ve done before. I camped out in Abby’s bedroom, turning her space into my little home base. Each day was the same rhythm: eight hours of focused marking, followed by evening walks to the grocery store or the Legislature Building to stretch my legs and clear my head.

It was grueling work—long hours, a sore hand, and a tired brain—but it was also very educational for me. I came away feeling like I had just completed some of the best professional development I could have asked for. It gave me insight into how these exams are designed, how students think, and how we as teachers can help them succeed. Exhausting, yes, but excellent PD!

While I was in Edmonton, my family was busy attending the Toone Reunion back home, with gatherings in Cardston, Beazer, and Claresholm. I was sad to miss it, especially knowing how rare those moments are to gather, connect, and celebrate our roots. Still, even from afar, I felt a deep gratitude for the heritage of my Toone and Beazer families. What a blessing to be part of such a strong and lasting legacy.

Grateful for the chance to grow as a teacher, and grateful for the family ties that keep us grounded.

Young Mens Camp - Blue Lake Adventures

  John and Nate had an incredible experience at Young Men’s camp this year, and it’s one they’ll be talking about for a long time.

The group hiked their way up to Blue Lake, carrying only the essentials as part of their effort to “camp light” and rough it as much as possible. No frills, no extras—just the boys, their packs, and the mountains. And they did it!

One of the highlights was Nate catching a fish in the lake. Even better, he didn’t just stop there—he jumped right in to help others learn and have success, too. There’s something so satisfying about living off the land, even just for a little while, and the boys came away feeling proud of their efforts.

It was a weekend of grit, growth, and the kind of simple fun that sticks with you. Well done, boys! 💪🎣🏕️

The search for Piney Ridge

 As our family reunion approached, my cousin Ann Marie asked me to gather pictures of Piney Ridge, near Beazer, Alberta. It was a place steeped in meaning for our family—our Beazer ancestors first came into the valley by crossing over Piney Ridge. Just the thought of it stirred something deep in me, and I knew I wanted to capture more than just a photo.

In my search, I reached out to my friend Amanda Shaw, and true to form, she and her husband Jeff welcomed us with open arms. They invited us out for an evening ride, and of course we jumped at the chance. We always LOVED riding with them—there was something about being on horseback, out in the open, that slowed the world down and made us breathe a little deeper.

That evening was stunning. The light, the land, the rhythm of the horses’ hooves—it all came together in such a peaceful, grounding way. As we rode across the ridge, I couldn’t help but feel connected not just to the beauty around me, but to my ancestors who had once crossed that same land. Their journey, their courage, and their sacrifices suddenly felt more tangible, more real.

It wasn’t just about getting a picture for the reunion—it was about honoring the past, experiencing the present, and carrying that heritage forward. And for me, that ride was a reminder of how deeply blessed I was to have roots in such a place.

A change in Mission Leadership

    At the end of June, Sam experienced a big transition in his mission: the change of his mission presidency.

For the first 20 months of his service, President and Sister Phelps led and guided him. They shaped so much of his mission experience, and for the last month and a half, Sam had the privilege of serving as an Assistant to President Phelps. To say he loved this man would be an understatement—President Phelps was a mentor, a leader, and a friend in every sense.                                   

When the Phelps were released, Sam wasn’t quite sure what to expect. After so long under familiar leadership, there’s always a bit of uncertainty about how change will feel. But then came President and Sister Law.

We were delighted to learn that from the moment he met them, Sam felt an immediate connection. President Law is apparently hilarious—a gift in itself when you’re in the thick of missionary life—and Sister Law has a genuine warmth and care that instantly puts people at ease. In short, they’ve been exactly what Sam needed.

As parents, it gives us so much peace to know that our son is being guided, uplifted, and loved by such remarkable leaders. We are so grateful for both the Phelps, who shaped so much of his journey, and for the Laws, who are now writing this last chapter alongside him.

Thank goodness for inspired leadership, and for the people who step in just when they are needed most. ❤️

Random June

June was a full and happy month, brimming with sunshine, celebrations, and little reminders of what really matters.

First and foremost, Jessica’s softball team took Zones! True to form, they’ve been champs every year they’ve tried, and this year was no exception. We couldn’t be prouder of the girls and their grit. Huge credit goes to their incredible coaches, Rylan Schaffer and Steve Holland, who have poured so much time, energy, and heart into helping them succeed.

Father’s Day was another highlight. Jessica and Nate spent the day visiting Grandpa, which meant so much. We love him dearly and admire the courage he shows as he bravely faces his days. Later, we whisked John away to Police Lake for what we dubbed a Father’s Day feast. Now, to be fair, the “feast” was really just pulled pork sandwiches—but oh my goodness, they were delicious! Something about eating by the lake made it taste even better.

Another June treat was a visit from Libby, who came up to Canada to support a friend going through the temple. We loved having her around and squeezing in time together before she left. I even got the chance to do a little photo shoot with her, which made the visit all the more special.

And finally, June just brought with it that unmistakable promise of summer—long evenings, warm sun, and more opportunities to be outside. After months of waiting, it felt so good to soak it in.

Here’s to the sweetness of June and the joy it brought our family. 🌞

CHS Awards Night: A Celebration of Sport and Spirit {June 2025}

 The end of the school year brought one of my favorite evenings—CHS Awards Night—and this year, it was extra special.

Both Jessica and Nate were recognized with athletic awards, a testament to their hard work, dedication, and love of the game. To top it off, Jessica and Grayson each received the school’s highest honor: Top Female and Top Male Athlete of the Year. Watching the two of them walk up to the stage together was such a proud moment—not just for their achievements, but for the character and leadership they’ve shown along the way.

(Love the thumb in the bottom corner;)

As if that wasn’t enough, Jessica was surprised with another incredible honor: the ASAA Milk Scholarship. It’s a huge accomplishment and such a well-deserved recognition of her commitment both on and off the court.

It was an evening of pure celebration—of effort, talent, teamwork, and resilience. Sitting there, I couldn’t help but feel deeply grateful for the role sports have played in my kids’ lives. Beyond the trophies and awards, athletics have given them friendships, discipline, confidence, and countless memories.

What a way to close out the year. My heart is full. 💛

A beautiful Sunday in Waterton

 Some Sundays stand out, and this one in Waterton was one of them.

We had the chance to go and listen to Jessica sing—and oh, how I love hearing her voice. There’s something about music in that little chapel surrounded by mountains that feels both peaceful and powerful, and hearing Jess share her gift made it even more special.

Grayson and Nate came with us, and it was sweet to see everyone involved in the service. Nate was called on to bless the sacrament, and I was called on to pray. Simple moments, but meaningful ones. The whole meeting left us feeling uplifted and grateful.

Of course, what’s a family Sunday without a few little extras? After church, we sinfully grabbed hot dogs (because balance, right?) and then headed down to the lake. Skipping rocks, breathing in the fresh mountain air, and just being together—it was the perfect way to end the day.

It was one of those Sundays that fills your heart in all the best ways: with faith, family, laughter, and love. Truly a beautiful Sunday in every sense. 💙